Which Nicotine Strength Is Right For You?
Figuring out how much punch you want your e-liquid to pack is one of the first decisions you’ll have to make as a vaper. When your nic strength isn’t right, it’s noticeable. Too high of a concentration can leave you dizzy or nauseous after just one puff. Too low of a concentration can leave you unsatisfied with your whole vaping experience. Just like Goldilocks and her three bowls of porridge, you’ll want the one that’s just right for you. Whether you’re a recent convert from smoking cigarettes or just need help finding the right nic strength, we’re here to shed some light on the nuance of nicotine.
The Distinction: Smoking vs. Vaping
Firstly, it’s important to highlight the differences between smoking traditional cigarettes and vaping e-liquid nicotine. Both options deliver nicotine into the bloodstream once inhaled, albeit with varying degrees of speed, and efficiency, and amounts of nicotine. The effects of a cigarette can be felt almost immediately when smoked, thanks to the countless chemicals they contain which catalyze chemical absorption into the blood. Vaped nicotine generally takes longer to enter the bloodstream, and comes in substantially smaller doses than that of a cigarette. (Unless you’re vaping at a super high nic concentration like 24mg or 50mg.)
Other Factors At Play
Another key aspect of the nic strength decision is how harsh or “throaty” your prefer your pulls to be. A 12mg or 18mg e-juice will produce a robust, full-bodied vapor that slightly irritates the throat and can lead to coughing - similar to a cigarette or like pipe tobacco. At the other end of the spectrum, a 3mg e-juice will vape smoothly and won’t cause much throat irritation at all. People swapping over to vaping from smoking might choose a higher milligram juice to emulate the physical feel of cigarette smoke. People new to vaping outright might start on the other side with a 0mg, 3mg, or 6mg.
The ratio of PG to VG in e-liquid affects the nicotine’s strength too. PG is a relatively smooth, runny compound. In juices that contain larger volumes of PG, like a 50/50 blend, the harshness of the nicotine can be accentuated by PG’s glossier feel. Ratios play a lesser role in balancing nic strength than the milligram concentration itself, but they can be tweaked if need be to give the user a more pleasant experience.
Nicotine Strength in E-Juice
Virtually all commercial e-juice lines are sold at standard nicotine strengths. Naturally, we have 0mg strength for vapers who are only looking for flavor or to wean off nicotine altogether. Then comes 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg, and 24mg. The higher concentrations (18mg and 24mg) are less commonly found, but still available from select manufacturers.
Some e-liquids are offered at even higher concentrations in the form of nicotine salts. Nicotine salt differs from “regular” nicotine in that it’s chemically bound to its (PG) base fluid by an acidic compound. This binding process creates a much smoother, less throaty feel even at higher milligram levels. Nic salts are designed more for pod devices like the Suorin Air, as opposed to regular pen or box mods. They’re ideal for people who are used to smoking a pack of cigarettes or more a day, since they deliver a potent nicotine rush by a single hit.
Ultimately, the Choice Is Yours
Nothing is going to beat your intuition when it comes to choosing e-juice with the right nicotine strength. Experiment with different concentrations depending on your needs and how the experience feels. With a little selective trial and error, you’ll find the perfect strength to get you just where you want to be. Happy vaping!